A kiosk that brings people together

On 24 December, the area around the main train station inFrankfurt is anything but quiet. At the Yok Yok kiosk, directly opposite the main station, the doors are opening and closing almost constantly. People come here to buy drinks and then stop and chat for a moment. Some come straight from Christmas dinner with their families, while others have nobody with whom to celebrate. And then there are those who do not celebrate Christmas or are just getting to know this Christian festival. 

Christmas as a social event 

Nazim Alemdar, who owns what is probably the best-known kiosk in the neighbourhood, is right in the thick of things. He sells beer, soft drinks and cigarettes. Most importantly, however, he listens. Today he can often be heard wishing his customers a “Merry Christmas”. Alemdar is a Muslim. Christmas plays no part in his religion. But for decades it has been a feature of his life. “I see Christmas not as a religious festival but as a social event,” he says. A festival that brings people together, a festival at which to give and receive presents or visit - or at least think of - one another. “It’s not only about being happy yourself,” believes Alemdar. “It’s also nice to make others happy.” Joy can be shared. 

A kiosk as a place to meet 

This attitude also shapes the way he views the neighbourhood. Especially in a big city, he says, it’s important to be together at Christmas. “Many people are unable to visit their families and end up on their own.” Places like his kiosk then become places to meet. Regular customers come here, alongside tourists, people who have no family and those who have recently moved to Frankfurt. Some have no idea what Christmas even means. Alemdar explains it to them. “For me, Christmas is also an opportunity to share information,” he laughs. People talk about customs, food, families – and about how lonely holidays can be. 

Celebrating religious festivals together 

Alemdar’s attitude also comes to the fore during the Eid festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan. In 2025, he and other local residents living around the main station organised the celebrations for the ninth time. More than 300 people then come to sit at long tables set up outside: businesspeople end up sitting next to homeless people, Christians next to Muslims and believers next to non-believers - everyone is welcome.